Our Shining Light

The Crystal Empire… The City of love, The Heart of Equestria, The Empire of Light… All names for this place. My home.

The sun was high in the cloudless sky, sharing its light with the glimmering streets of the Crystal Empire. The Empire shined under the clear sky, its crystalline streets gorgeously reflecting the sun’s rays. The crystal ponies were beginning to become active in the streets, adding blue, purple, gold, and white lights to the city’s lightshow.

The Crystal Castle loomed over the Empire in all its glory, its magnificent peak shining brightest of all. The crystal guards were already beginning to take their posts, and one of them was steadily making his way towards the throne room, a sapphire colored guard.

Everything shines here. The stallion thought to himself. The streets, the ponies, the castle… Even I give off a gleaming light.

The guard reached the door to the throne room, and placed one of his front hooves on it. But… There is one pony whose light shines brighter than anypony else… Brighter than the Crystal Castle itself.

The stallion pushed open the door, and entered the large crystal throne room. The crystal throne was quite large, and was surrounded with precious gemstones, including its crown jewel, a large amethyst. Atop the throne was a pink, non-crystal alicorn. Her mane was a gradient of gold, lavender, and rose, and her eyes were a matching lavender color. The familiar mare smiled happily as the guard entered the room.

The Crystal Empress, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza… The guard thought wistfully. One of the two non-crystal ponies in the Empire. And yet, she’s the pony who shines the brightest.

“Good morning, Your Majesty!” He greeted Cadence, with a smile and a bow.

“Good morning to you as well, Lapis.” Cadence replied happily.

Lapis rose to his hooves at the foot of her throne. She’s in a pleasant mood, as always. He thought dreamily. “So, I assume you slept well, My Empress?” He asked with a slight tone of sarcasm.

Cadence groaned mockingly. “Of course I did. It’s impossible not to with how much you all pamper me.” She smirked at him. “And I’ve told you a thousand times not to call me ‘Empress.’”

Lapis chuckled light-heartedly. “We just want our Emp-ahem. Our Princess to have a pleasant time in her own castle.” He joked, and then brushed his glimmering lapis-blue mane underneath his helmet. “Now then, shall we get down to business?”

“As soon as you remove your helmet.” Cadence taunted. “Let me see your gorgeous crystal mane.”

Lapis’ sapphire mane took on a shade of red, and pushed his helmet on harder. “That won’t be necessary, ma’am.” Cadence playfully raised an eyebrow at his response. Lapis cleared his throat, and continued, “Besides, I need the helmet. What if the ceiling were to cave in at this very moment?”

Cadence burst out laughing at his statement. “I doubt the helmet would be enough to protect you there!” She shouted gleefully.

Seeing her lost in a fit of laughter caused Lapis to begin chuckling himself. “You really are in a good mood today, huh?” He asked after calming himself.

“How could I not be?” Cadence answered euphorically. “Both the Gala and my two-year anniversary are this week!”

Lapis put on a slightly more serious face. “Ah, yes, that’s what we must discuss.”

Cadence also regained her composure. “Of course. What am I scheduled for today?”

“Only one thing, and then you can relax. Some ambassadors from Canterlot wish to speak with you.”

“I see. I’ll see them as soon as possible. Would you send for them?” Cadence requested.

“It is still very early, Princess. I shall go send for your breakfast, and then I shall bring them to you.” Lapis offered.

Cadence’s stomach slightly growled at the thought of a meal. “That would be lovely. Thank you, Lapis.” She dismissed charismatically.

“My pleasure, Princess.” Lapis replied before bowing, and exiting the throne room. The doors shut behind him with a thud, and he began walking towards the castle’s kitchen.

Cadence, the Crystal Empress… He reflected. The savior of the Empire… I still remember when she banished the darkness of that awful king. I’ve never seen such a beautiful thing in my entire life…

“First Lieutenant Lapis! What can we do for you, sir?” One of the chefs asked him as he entered the kitchen.

“Would you send Empress Cadence some breakfast?” Lapis ordered.

“Consider it done, sir!” The chef saluted him, and then relayed the message to the rest of the kitchen’s staff.

Lapis moved on from the kitchen to the crystal spa. Not only is she a hero, she’s prefect in every way. He thought longingly. She’s a charismatic leader, she’s kind, she’s pleasant to be around, she’s gorgeous…

“Good morning, Lieutenant!” The spa ponies called out to him.

“May you ladies please go freshen up Empress Cadence before the ambassadors show up here?”

“But of course, dear!” The mares replied, their thick accents dripping from their voices.

Lapis quickly exited the spa, and began walking towards the train station. To think the Captain made me her bodyguard. He acted like it would be a burden. Heh, I’d take this job any day. Lapis smiled. It might be a little tedious at times, but being around My Empress everyday makes it all worthwhile.

“Second Lieutenant.” Lapis addressed the guard waiting at the train station.

“First Lieutenant.” The guard responded, and saluted respectfully.

“Send a message to the ambassadors: their escort is on his way.”

“Yes sir.” The second Lieutenant replied plainly, before walking towards the castle to fulfill his request.

Lapis waited for the train’s door to open, walked inside, and then turned to the conductor. “To Canterlot, please.”

“At once, sir.” The conductor answered, shut the doors, and started the train’s engine.

Lapis took a seat on the right side of the train, and stared idly at the Crystal Castle. Shining Armor is a lucky stallion…He thought yearningly. However, after that thought, Lapis shook his head violently. Stop it. No envy, no lust. You’re her bodyguard. He turned his head away from the castle. Now, to gather some ambassadors.

*******

“Is this all truly necessary?” Cadence groaned.

The spa ponies had entered the throne room shortly after Lapis had left. They were currently brushing Cadence’s mane, as well as giving her a full hooficure. “Of course, Your Majesty!” One of the amethyst mares brushing her mane assured her.

I’m seeing ambassadors from Canterlot… It’s not that big of a deal… Cadence whined internally. “Oh, of course! Whatever you see fit!” She declared with a smile.

The crystal spa ponies beamed, and returned to their work. Cadence sighed quietly, and reclined in her throne. But then, the door to the throne room swung open, and two waiters entered the room. Cadence grinned at them as they walked over to her, and set down a table, followed by a silver platter. One of the waiters lifted the cover off with his magic, and Cadence nearly face-hoofed when he did.

Oh sweet Celestia… She moaned in her mind. On the platter was an abundance of fruits and flowers, which were meticulously crafted into a three-dimensional heart. I asked for breakfast, not artwork…

“Is something the matter with it, Your Majesty?” One of the waiters asked desperately.

“Of course not!” Cadence reassured them. “This looks divine, thank you so much.”

The crystal waiters grinned, bowed, and then exited the throne room. Cadence lit up her horn, and picked the heart off of the silver platter. She took a few minutes to just turn it over and examine it before she finally took a bite out of it.

I’m getting a full spa treatment while eating breakfast in my own throne… Cadence thought skeptically. These ponies spoil me rotten. She took another bite of her exquisite breakfast. Especially Lapis. He’s supposed to be a bodyguard, not a servant. Who else would send a spa treatment to me this early? Cadence reclined in her throne a second time, as the spa ponies moved on to her second hoof.

Oh, you’re being too hard on him, Cadence. She scolded herself. I don’t think Shining could’ve picked a better bodyguard. Cadence cracked a small smile. Well built, experienced, and willing to defend others if the need should arise. Also, he has the longest mane I’ve ever seen on a crystal pony. She giggled as she recalled how flustered he had acted earlier.

Not to mention, he makes my job much easier with all of the responsibilities he accepts. She continued to ramble. It’s also nice to have a pony who talks to me like a friend, and not like a goddess. Cadence sighed dreamily as she took another bite of her heart-shaped breakfast. Not that I don’t appreciate the other ponies…

Cadence leaned forward as the amethyst spa ponies brushing her mane began preening her wings. He really is a good stallion. I should thank him one of these days.

Cadence purred lightly when on the mares began massaging her back. That will come later though. Right now, I have a Gala and an anniversary to plan for… “A little lower, please.” Cadence quietly requested, and her masseuse instantly complied. Oooh… these ponies are too good to me. She thought blissfully.

Lapis, Shining… I’ll make sure that this Gala is one worth remembering. She thought decisively, as she melted into the spa treatment.

*******

A few hours after the train had left for Canterlot, it returned, now toting three passengers. Lapis was the first to exit the train, followed by two stallions, who were both clad in expensive, regal garments. One of them had a pale blonde mane, and the other a faded gray one; the stallions were both visibly aged. Lapis extended a hoof towards the Crystal Castle, and turned to the two ambassadors.

“Welcome to the Crystal Empire.” He said with a smile.

One of the stallions scoffed at him, and the other turned his head away. “We did not come all this way to sightsee.” The blonde stallion replied in a condescending, haughty voice. “Would you kindly just escort us to the Princess?”

Lapis forced a wide grin at them. “Of course! Right this way!”

The stallions scoffed a second time, and followed him through a crowd of crystal ponies. As soon as he had turned his head away, Lapis’ grin turned into an agitated grimace. I can’t wait ‘til I never have to see these two again. He muttered internally.

Lapis escorted the two ambassadors through the Crystal Castle, having to make frequent stops due to them. They constantly stopped to look at different portions of the castle, let out a “hmph”, and then kept walking. I thought we weren’t here to sightsee… Lapis growled to himself.

After almost twenty minutes, the group reached the throne room. Lapis opened the door for the ambassadors, and they walked in without question. “Your Majesty, the Canterlot ambassadors are here to see you!” Lapis shouted as he followed behind them.

Cadence was wearing her normal charismatic smile, and happily greeted her guests. “Welcome! What brings you two gentlecolts to the Crystal Empire?”

The ambassadors approached Cadence, while Lapis stayed behind at the door. He looked up at Cadence, who was now shining almost as bright as a crystal pony. Only those spa ponies could make her look better. He thought giddily. I need to thank them personally.

“We come here on behalf of Princess Celestia.” The blonde ambassador answered condescendingly.

“We’ve come to discuss the matter of the Grand Galloping Gala.” The second added while flipping his short, gray mane.

“Of course.” Cadence began. “The other Princesses and I have agreed to host the Gala in the Crystal Empire this year. I assume you’ve come to reaffirm Celestia’s approval?”

“Yes, that is accurate.” The gray-maned ambassador responded.

“But we’ve also come with instructions.” The first ambassador added snootily, as he reached into his extravagant purple robe.

Lapis rolled his eyes. Just who does his guy think he is?

The ambassador pulled out a golden ticket with his hoof, and levitated it to Cadence. “First and foremost, you must take care of the distribution of tickets.”

“Here is the V.I.P. list.” The second ambassador informed her as he gave her a scroll. “Make certain that everypony on this list is sent a formal invitation.”

Cadence took the scroll and the ticket in her own magical grp, and set them down next to her. “I shall see to it.” She assured them.

“Next,” The blonde ambassador carried on, “You must make this castle presentable for the Princesses.” His deep gray face cracked a sardonic grin. “As it stands, this castle is unsuitable for any Princess, yourself included.”

Lapis’ ruby eyes flared angrily. Say that again, you old bastard. I dare you. He raged internally.

“I… see. I shall make sure that my castle is… presentable.” Cadence responded, her smile slightly faltering.

“Finally, and most importantly…The Gala is an Equestrian tradition, and you must treat it as such.” The gray-maned stallion told Cadence cynically. “You must make this a… grand Gala, for lack of a better word. We mustn’t have a repeat of that disaster two years ago.”

Cadence let out a quiet giggle. “I think I can manage that.” She replied merrily.

“See that you do.” The blonde ambassador threatened. “Otherwise… There might never be another Gala in the Crystal Empire.”

Cadence’s smile finally faded. “So, is that all? If so, you may return home.” She dismissed them, her glee fading fast.

The two ambassadors nodded to each other, and then began walking towards the door. “That is all, Princess.” The blonde stallion finished. The two stallions stopped in front of Lapis, and looked at him expectantly.

“Second Lieutenant!” Lapis called at the doors. One crystal guard burst through the doors and saluted, and Lapis pointed to the two stallions. “Please escort these… gentlecolts… back to Canterlot.”

The Second Lieutenant nodded, and gestured for the two stallions to follow him. They complied, and soon all three of them had exited the throne room. Lapis shut the door with his magic, and let out an incredibly loud sigh of relief. “Good riddance. Would a letter be so much to ask for?” He sighed.

Cadence took a breath of her own, and regained her smile. “They’re impossible aren’t they?” She asked wearily.

Lapis left his post at the door, and started approaching the throne. “It takes some willpower to stay as calm as you do, Princess.” He complimented.

“You flatter me.” Cadence replied.

Lapis stopped at the foot of her throne, and hung his head. “I’m sorry, Empress. You deserve much better treatment than that.”

“Don’t make that face, Lapis. It’s something that all Princesses have to deal with. I’m used to it.” Cadence assured him.

“Well it shouldn’t be like that. Especially not to you.” He muttered. Cadence gave him a reassuring grin, but Lapis sighed unhappily. “I think I speak for the rest of the Empire when I say this… I think you should be the one ruling Equestria.”

Cadence’s eyes widened at his random statement, but she quickly hid her surprise. “You’re too nice.” She remarked blissfully.

“I mean it.” Lapis asserted. “You’re a charismatic leader, and yet you’re capable of taking matters into your own hooves. You’re exactly the type of leader Equestria needs.”

Cadence blushed, and her lavender eyes spaced out. “I…” She whispered. Then, she shook her head vigorously. “I couldn’t possibly rule Equestria.” She rejected his idea. “I have enough trouble just running the Empire. Even if I thought I could, Celestia’s been ruling for thousands of years. It would be silly to think I could replace her.”

And I’m ‘too nice.’ Lapis thought sarcastically.

Cadence looked into Lapis’ eyes, and shot him a caring smile. “But thank you for thinking so highly of me.”

Lapis felt his cheeks grow hot under her gaze, and he quickly shied away. Ugh, don’t look at me like that…

Cadence giggled when he turned away, and then lit up her horn. “But enough about ruling Equestria, we have something to take care of.” Lapis turned his head back around, and watched Cadence levitate the ticket and V.I.P. list in front of her. “So we need to both distribute the tickets and make the castle look… ‘Presentable.’”

Lapis put his right hoof on his chin, and thought to himself, this is my chance! “Tell ya what, Princess.” He offered. “Why don’t you just focus on decorating the castle while I deal with the tickets?”

Cadence shook her head. “I couldn’t possibly ask you to do that. It’s my responsibility.”

“Your Majesty, it would be my honor to handle the ticket distribution.” Lapis declared nobly.

Cadence scratched her head, debating her options. She was silent for a few seconds, and then gave Lapis the ticket and V.I.P. list. “All right.” She gave in. “Just make sure it’s done by next week, all right?”

“Of course, Your Majesty.” Lapis promised, and then bowed respectfully.

Cadence beamed at him. “Thank you, Lapis.”

Lapis saluted, and began running out of the throne room, the ticket and list in his purple magical aura. “I’ll get started right away, Princess!” He called behind him.

Cadence laughed, and responded, “Good luck! The fate of the Gala is in your hooves!”

Lapis bolted out of the throne room, and towards the guards’ barracks. My Empress, I’ll make sure that this is the best Gala in history! And then those nobles will respect you as much as I do! He thought confidently, as he charged into his barracks.